The Dental Hygiene program at Mt. Hood Community College is six quarters in length, leading to an associate degree. Academic instruction in basic and dental sciences is integrated with instruction in dental hygiene therapy, expanded functions and restorative dental procedures, dental procedures and work in clinical settings to provide a total learning experience for the dental hygiene student. Having completed the program and passed National and Regional Board examinations for dental hygienists, the graduate can be licensed to practice. Some institutions and agencies require a baccalaureate degree for employment. To this end, many courses in the Mt. Hood Community College dental hygiene curriculum are transferable to four-year colleges and can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree.

Work effectively with diverse populations as members of the health care team

Actively participate and lead in community activities and professional associations.

Prospective students must satisfactorily meet admission program criteria and the a mhcc.edu/LRadmissions application deadline to be considered for admission. Application packets are available on our website at . Information sessions are also offered on a regular basis. The information sessions are listed in the application packets and on the website. Once you have read the application materials and attended an information session, you may call 503-491-7341 if you have questions about the admission process.

Employment Opportunities/Personal Aptitude

Areas of employment open to dental hygienists include private dental offices or clinics, industrial dental programs, public health, etc. Salaries vary and are commensurate with experience and scope of responsibilities. Opportunities for dental hygienists are excellent. The personal requirements necessary to succeed as a dental hygienist begin with a strong belief in the importance of good oral health and include an aptitude for the biological sciences. Of prime importance are manual dexterity, high ethical standards, a genuine interest in science and an ability to work with people.

NOTE:Prior to entry into the Dental Hygiene program, students must satisfactorily complete CH104, CH105 and CH106; BI121, BI122 and BI234; and WR121 or the equivalent. CH104 and BI121 must be completed prior to the application deadline. During the program, students must maintain a “C” grade or better in all courses to progress toward graduation and professional licensure.

Although BI121 and BI122 is the anatomy and physiology sequence currently required, students are encouraged to enroll in BI231, BI232 and BI233. This more advanced series fulfills the anatomy and physiology requirement and may transfer more readily for advanced degrees. (The next application period is for 2014-15 entry and program application prerequisites and requirements may change; please check the application website at www.mhcc.edu/LRAdmissions for the most current information.)

All classes outside the core curriculum (those not preceded by DH) except general pathology may be taken prior to admission to the Dental Hygiene program.

Four credits of a mathematics course with a grade of "C" or higher (MTH065 or higher) must be transcripted before graduation. Please see page 20 for more details about the general education requirements of the Associate of Applied Science degree. To receive additional points on your application, a 100-level or higher mathematics course must be completed (excluding MTH211).

Please check the MHCC website for any curricular changes that have occurred since the catalog was published. Some courses may be offered via distance learning.

1 Other choices include SP100, SP115 or SP218.2WR122 is recommended only if students register for the APA section. APA focuses on professional and technical reports and articles. 3 All students are required to participate in a background check and drug testing prior to attending clinical rotations.4The program plans to offer DH125 via distance learning, and reserves the right to offer other courses via distance learning.5 Students may not opt out of DH225 and DH235.6Other choices include PSY101, PSY202, PSY214 or PSY216. Students who select PSY214 or PSY216 must take SOC204.7Other choices include SOC205 or SOC206. Students who select SOC205 or SOC206 must take PSY101, PSY201 or PSY202.